Classic Chevy Bel Air perfect for lazy Sunday ice cream trips

Lack of headrests and shoulder belts a reminder of how far safety has progressed

The second generation Bel-Air arrived for 1955 with a host of styling revisions including crisp new lines and a bold, egg-crate grille that was apparently inspired from those on Ferrari automobiles of the period.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air features a spacious passenger cabin for a coupe, although this example's seats are wrapped in a custom leather treatment. Power windows and a modern stereo system were also added to this car when it was last restored.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The Chevrolet Bel Air's dash features some very unique styling elements and a smart looking clock.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The Chevrolet Bel Air's dash features some very unique styling elements and a smart looking clock.

Russell Purcell, Driving

Like most American cars of the period the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air features a healthy amount of chrome, particularly evident on the front of the car.

Russell Purcell, Driving

This car began life fitted with a 265 cubic-inch V8 engine rated at 165-horsepower and a 3-speed manual transmission. The previous owner wanted to enhance the driving experience so the engine and gearbox were swapped out for a 350 cubic-inch V8 that produces about 300-horsepower and a TKO 600 5-speed transmission. Power disc brakes were also retro-fitted to this particular automobile.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The rear bench seat is wrapped in leather and is easily accessed by swinging the front seat backs forward and out of the way.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The Bel Air's rear end is neat and tidy and the over-sized emblem, curved rear window, and massive chrome bumper are highlights of the visually appealing design.

Russell Purcell, Driving

This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air may not be 100-percent correct, but the owner purchased it to drive and enjoy rather than serve as a museum piece.

Russell Purcell, Driving

While the paint combination and mag wheels are not factory correct, the car still draws lots of attention due to its iconic shape, stylish lines, and abundance of chrome trim.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The iconic bird shaped chrome hood ornament on the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a striking feature that graced the hood of several models that year.

Russell Purcell, Driving

The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full-sized automobile produced for more than three decades (1950-1981) and eight generations.

Initially, only the two-door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name, but by 1953 the decision makers at Chevrolet decided to use Bel Air as the designation for a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles.

The second-generation Bel Air arrived for 1955 with a host of styling revisions, including crisp new lines and a bold, egg-crate grille that was apparently inspired from those on Ferraris of the period. This European-influenced design was replaced the following year with a more traditional full-width grille.

Chevrolet referred to the 1955 Bel Air as the “Hot One” in its advertising campaign for the now iconic car that many regard as the model that helped the company shed the perception its designs were too conservative and, in fact, rather boring.

The iconic bird shaped chrome hood ornament on the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is a striking feature that graced the hood of several models that year.Russell Purcell /
Driving

The new car was more bold and youthful than previous Chevrolet products and came equipped with additional features such as full carpeting, chrome headliner bands, chrome front fender spears, stainless steel window mouldings, distinctive badging and full wheel covers. There was also an incredible palate of 14 solid and 23 two-tone colour combinations to choose from, allowing buyers to truly express their individual style.

Chevrolet’s popular full-sized offering also benefited from an increase in power. The option of a 265-cubic-inch V8 engine became available in late 1954. This small-block V8 featured a modern short-stroke design that employed high-compression overhead valves and was rated at 165 horsepower in base trim. This engine remained in production in various forms and displacements for decades following its introduction.

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air features a spacious passenger cabin for a coupe, although this example’s seats are wrapped in a custom leather treatment. Power windows and a modern stereo system were also added to this car when it was last restored.Russell Purcell /
Driving

Lifelong Mission, B.C., resident and Chevrolet fanatic Lloyd Davies bought his 1955 Bel Air just over a year ago after looking at a number of examples. His son Dean, a mechanic, recommended to his dad he try to find a car that was straight, rust-free and in good running condition.

“I knew [he] was looking forward to driving the Bel Air once he found one as this was going to be his ride to on those lazy Sundays when he felt the need to go out for ice cream,” Dean said. “I told him that rather than looking for a project car, he should find a turn-key one and just drive it away. That way he could enjoy it immediately, rather than worrying about finding the time, parts and resources needed to complete a project.”

This 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air may not be 100-percent correct, but the owner purchased it to drive and enjoy rather than serve as a museum piece.Russell Purcell /
Driving

The attractive blue-and-silver hardtop time machine that eventually rolled into Lloyd’s garage left the factory with a 265-cc V8 engine and a Synchro-Mesh, three-speed, manual transmission, but the previous owner had made some changes to enhance the driving experience.

The engine was swapped out for a 350-cubic-inch V8 fitted with an aluminum radiator that produces about 300 horsepower, and the gearbox was upgraded to a more reliable TKO 600 five-speed. Power disc brakes were also retrofitted.

“I think that he wanted a Bel Air because when he was a teenager, his dad had a brand-new, 1955 four-door,” Dean explained. “He probably learned how to drive on that car, so this one must bring back some pretty special memories for him.”

The Bel Air’s rear end is neat and tidy and the over-sized emblem, curved rear window, and massive chrome bumper are highlights of the visually appealing design.Russell Purcell /
Driving

Lloyd’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air may not be 100 per cent period correct, but it was bought to drive and enjoy rather than serve as a museum piece. The car is an older restoration, as evidenced by the wear and tear and the presence of a few nicks and scratches, but it has proven reliable and well sorted.

“It is far from original,” Dean admitted, “but it is tastefully done. Some of the design choices such as the diamond-tuft interior and non-factory paint lend a little hot-rod flair to the car that we may one day seek to correct if we choose to do a complete restoration on it, but I already have several projects on the go.

“Besides, for now my dad is really enjoying driving the car, and that is what it’s all about.”

The Chevrolet Bel Air’s dash features some very unique styling elements and a smart looking clock.Russell Purcell /
Driving

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air features a spacious passenger cabin and the cockpit is roomy enough to accommodate even the largest of drivers. Visibility is excellent because of the high seating position and acres of window glass, although the long hood and tall fenders make it difficult to see what is immediately in front of the car. A simple instrument cluster and uncluttered dash design place all controls readily at hand, and all remain easy to see from behind the thin-rimmed steering wheel.

The seats are more akin to the design of a classic sofa than what we now expect in a modern automobile. The absence of head rests and shoulder belts quickly reminds you of how far we have come in passenger safety. But they are perfectly suited for stretching out and enjoying a frosty treat on a warm summer day.

General Motors ceased U.S. production of the Bel Air in 1975, but the company’s Canadian arm continued production for its home market until late 1981.